Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Mertensia ciliata
Mertensia ciliata (James ex Torr.) G. Don
Tall Fringed Bluebells, Tall Fringe Bluebells, Mountain Bluebells
Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: MECI3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Several 1-3 ft. stems emerge in a clump from the woody root of Tall Fringe Bluebells or Mountain Bluebells. Smooth, succulent leaves are crowded along these stems. A plant with clumps of leafy stems and loose clusters of narrowly bell-shaped, blue flowers turning pink with age. Pendent clusters of clear blue, tubular flowers exude a mild fragrance. Root crowns and rhizomes spread over time, forming extensive patches.
Mertensias are also called Lungworts, after a European species with spotted leaves which was believed to be a remedy for lung disease. Similar species differ in the proportions of the corolla.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: BlueBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WYNative Distribution: CO & extreme n. NM to CA Sierras, n. to w. MT & s.e. WA
Native Habitat: Stream banks; wet meadows; damp thickets
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist to wet loams & sandy loams.
Conditions Comments: Good air circulation is necessary to prevent mildew diseases.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesPropagation
Description: Divide rhizomes in the spring. It is also possible to propagate this plant from seed.Seed Treatment: Seed scarification enhances germination. Rub between sheets of medium-grit sandpaper.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | FACW | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 74 - Southwest Colorado Wildflowers (2020) Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Mertensia ciliata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Mertensia ciliata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Mertensia ciliata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-20Research By: TWC Staff